Young Sapphires
Inspiring the Next Wave of Ocean Guardians
Who Are the Young Sapphires?
Young Sapphires are student leaders and passionate changemakers committed to protecting our oceans and inspiring their communities to care for our blue planet. They represent the next generation of philanthropists, conservationists, artists, and storytellers - rising voices creating ripples of impact through creativity, compassion, and action.
What Do They Do?
Through school-led initiatives and creative outreach, Young Sapphires:
Raise awareness about marine conservation through school campaigns, performances, and science projects
Host student art exhibitions and fundraising events in support of Sapphire's programs
Organise beach clean-ups and hands-on activities in their local communities
Champion sustainability and circular thinking among their peers
Share stories, artworks, and student-led insights via Sapphire’s youth platform
How Do They Do It?
The Young Sapphires movement begins in classrooms, art rooms, and student councils. With guidance from Sapphire/Great Barrier Reef Foundation, school teachers, mentors, and the broader Sapphire network, Youth Ambassadors take the lead in organising meaningful activities that reflect their school’s identity and strengths.
Each participating school appoints Young Sapphires Ambassadors - students who coordinate efforts within their school community, with access to:
Sapphire-endorsed toolkits (education packs, posters, fundraising tips)
Digital recognition badges for their school and club
Occasional features across Sapphire social channels, events or affiliated media networks
Why It Matters
We believe the future of ocean conservation lies not just in science and philanthropy, but in storytelling, participation, and lived values. Young Sapphires aren’t just raising funds - they’re raising a generation with empathy, ecological literacy, and the courage to lead.
This initiative reflects Sapphire’s broader mission: to unite communities, amplify purpose, and build a lasting legacy for our oceans - one voice at a time.
Who Can Join?
Any student who is passionate about ocean protection and wants to take action in their school or community.
Activities:
Organise events or activities in your school or local area (e.g. awareness talks, bake sales, art projects, screenings)
Use toolkits and materials provided by the Young Sapphires Program
Encourage peers to participate and lead local engagement
How to Get Involved?
Want to plan and organise? Join our Committee Team
Want to run activities at your school? Apply to be a School Ocean Ambassador
Not sure where to start? Contact our Young Sapphires’ Co-Lead: Alissa Song, and we’ll guide you!
“Young people - they care. They know that this is the world that they're going to grow up in, that they're going to spend the rest of their lives in. But, I think it's more idealistic than that. They actually believe that humanity, human species, has no right to destroy and despoil regardless.”
Sir David Attenborough